Basset Hound vs Berger Picard
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Basset Hound
Hound Group
Berger Picard
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Basset Hound Overview
Basset Hounds captivate with their distinctive long ears, drooping eyes, and short-legged, elongated body structure. Their gentle, patient demeanor combines with a surprisingly melodious voice and keen sense of smell. Standing low to the ground with a sturdy frame, these hounds feature loose skin, a deep chest, and powerful legs built for endurance tracking.
Berger Picard Overview
Berger Picards are elegant herding dogs with distinctive upright ears and a shaggy, tawny coat. Their muscular build and alert expression reflect their heritage as working dogs. Standing 23.5-25.5 inches tall, these medium-sized dogs combine strength with agility. Their natural, rustic appearance features a harsh double coat and expressive eyebrows that give them a uniquely charming look.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Basset Hounds are less energetic than Berger Picards, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Basset Hounds require more grooming attention compared to Berger Picards.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Basset Hounds tend to be more reserved with strangers than Berger Picards.
- Trainability: Basset Hounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Basset Hound's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Basset Hounds adapt better to apartment living, while Berger Picards typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Basset Hound and Berger Picard, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Basset Hound | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-13 years | 12-13 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Basset Hound | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-15 inches 38-38 cm | 22-25 inches 55-65 cm |
| Weight | 40-65 lbs 18-29 kg | 50-70 lbs 23-32 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Basset Hound | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Charming, Patient, Low-Key | Loyal, Good-Natured, Observant |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Basset Hound | Berger Picard |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Basset Hound Temperament
The Basset Hound is known for being charming, patient, low-key, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Berger Picard Temperament
The Berger Picard is characterized by being loyal, good-natured, observant, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Basset Hound and Berger Picard, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Basset Hound
Rating: 5/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Basset Hound
Rating: 5/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Basset Hound
Rating: 1/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Basset Hound
Rating: 3/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Basset Hound
Rating: 4/5
Berger Picard
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Basset Hound Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Basset Hounds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Basset Hounds require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
Berger Picard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Berger Picards need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Berger Picards require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Basset Hound Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Ear Infections
- Hip Dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
Berger Picard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Thyroid Issues
- Heart Disease
Pros & Cons
Basset Hound
Pros
- Gentle and patient temperament
- Great with children and other pets
- Low exercise needs
- Excellent sense of smell
- Adaptable to different living situations
Cons
- Stubborn and challenging to train
- Prone to obesity
- Regular ear cleaning required
- Significant drooling
- Can be vocal
Berger Picard
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent herding instincts
- Good with families
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Can be stubborn
- May be reserved with strangers
- Requires experienced owner
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Basset Hound and Berger Picard, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.